Steve Guziec

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

My experience with the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment method spans several years and various client demographics, including those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and work-related stress. CBT is a cornerstone of my therapeutic approach because it effectively addresses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In practice, I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to their emotional distress. We work together to develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies. By setting specific, measurable goals, I empower clients to track their progress and make meaningful changes. This structured approach not only alleviates symptoms but also equips clients with tools to manage future challenges, fostering resilience and long-term well-being.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

My core training and modality are rooted in the Client-Centered treatment method, also known as Rogerian Therapy. This approach emphasizes creating a therapeutic environment characterized by empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine understanding. In practice, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, heard, and valued. I strive to understand your experiences from your perspective, fostering a non-judgmental space for open and honest exploration. By focusing on your inherent strengths and potential, I support you in discovering your own solutions and paths to personal growth. This client-centered approach empowers you to take the lead in your therapeutic journey, promoting self-awareness, self-acceptance, and lasting change.

Christian Counseling

I have extensive experience facilitating group therapy sessions with veterans, creating a space for shared understanding, camaraderie, and healing. My work integrates narrative-driven activities, such as using gaming as a therapeutic tool. One approach I use is incorporating role-playing games, board games, and gaming , which allows veterans and others to explore different aspects of themselves through storytelling and strategic challenges. Gaming in therapy serves as a method to engage veterans in a way that feels less clinical, offering a familiar and comforting environment. It stimulates cognitive processing, encourages teamwork, and provides opportunities for veterans to discuss their experiences in a safe and indirect manner. These sessions foster creativity, improve problem-solving, and address trauma through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential learning. By connecting veterans through shared experiences and gaming, I help them build coping strategies and reduce isolation while creating a sense of community.

Trauma-Focused CBT

In my practice, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a key method I use to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. With over a decade of experience working with veterans and survivors of cultic abuse, I understand the profound impact trauma can have on one's mental health, and TF-CBT allows me to provide structured and effective treatment. Through TF-CBT, I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, reduce distressing symptoms like anxiety or hypervigilance, and build healthier coping mechanisms. The goal is to enable clients to reframe their trauma-related beliefs and gradually desensitize themselves to painful memories or triggers in a safe, controlled manner. This approach involves both cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques, giving clients tools to manage flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. By integrating psychoeducation and relaxation strategies, I create a balanced environment where clients feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey. This method has proven highly effective for PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and I tailor the treatment to fit each individual's unique experiences and readiness to engage with their trauma.

Gestalt

My experience with Gestalt therapy is grounded in helping clients increase self-awareness, understand their emotional patterns, and recognize how unfinished experiences may still be affecting their present life. I use Gestalt concepts in a practical and client-centered way, focusing on what the client is experiencing in the here and now rather than only analyzing the past. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and direct. I help clients notice their thoughts, emotions, body responses, and relational patterns so they can better understand how they respond to stress, conflict, trauma, grief, or relationship struggles. When appropriate, I may use Gestalt-informed techniques such as present-moment awareness, role exploration, guided dialogue, and helping clients identify unmet needs or unresolved emotions. I do not use Gestalt therapy in a rigid or confrontational way. Instead, I integrate it with other approaches such as CBT, person-centered therapy, trauma-informed care, and couples work. My goal is to help clients gain insight, take ownership of their choices, and move toward healthier patterns in their relationships and daily life.